Brookhaven College welcomes Dallas student who was beaten, stabbed in spring break attack

A month after he was stabbed and beaten in a mob attack on South Padre Island, Brookhaven College student Derek Madrigal returned to the school Tuesday to a warm welcome from students and faculty.

"I'm happy to be back and see some familiar faces," the 21-year-old said. "I'm just surprised I'm up walking and doing some normal things."

Madrigal was attacked March 17 when he tried to defend a female friend who was being bullied, police say. About a dozen people beat him with coolers and stabbed him in a bloody melee caught on video.

"I would do it over again," he said about helping the girl. "There is no doubt in my mind."

He visited the Farmers Branch campus Tuesday to withdraw from the journalism and kinesiology courses he missed while recovering from nine stab wounds and a collapsed lung.

"Obviously we wish he was back at school today joining us again," said Thom Chesney, vice president at Brookhaven College. "But he has got an amazing work ethic, and this absence won't be a setback for him."

South Padre police arrested a San Antonio man shortly after the attack, and nine alleged gang members were taken into custody this month, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and organized criminal activity.

"We should know shortly when they will go to trial, within the next few weeks," said Frank Madrigal, Derek's father.

While the ordeal has put a strain on the family, Frank Madrigal said it's also a testament to his son's fortitude.

"It's difficult because the recovery as much as anything is a reminder of the road we have had to travel," he said, "but it also shows his great strength."

Meanwhile, Derek Madrigal promises his studies won't be on hold for long.

"I didn't want to drop out," he said, "but I have plans to come back."